Explosive News

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

King Rodney XVIII slowly took his seat on the throne.

Prince Jassim, Yuriko, Auguste, Catherine, and Paul also took their places beside the king, each occupying a seat.

Paul's presence surprised many, especially those nobles who were more familiar with the royal family, most of whom hailed from Crystal Glare and the royal territories, with a few from other regions.

"Who is this young man? Why is he sitting with the royal family?" Such questions arose in many minds.

"Everyone has come to Crystal Glare from their respective territories, and you must have gone through many hardships; I am very excited," Rodney XVIII began to speak.

His voice was authoritative, with a powerful resonance that struck deep into the hearts of everyone present.

Though the crown had just been placed upon his head, Rodney XVIII seemed as if he had been king for many years.

"My uncle dedicated his life to the realm of Aldor, and the Lord of Light, in his mercy, has finally taken him back into his embrace."

"His life was one of integrity and loyalty; he is a model for us all!"

"Rodney XVII has left us a rich legacy; we thank him!"

"And we shall inherit his aspirations..."

The new king spoke for over an hour (TLN: Dude why?), mostly reminiscing about his uncle and inspiring everyone to unite and build Aldor into an even greater nation.

The lengthy speech reminded Paul of the time he spent listening to his school principal, nearly dozing off if he hadn't been sitting in such a prominent position.

"But we cannot linger in sorrow forever. Therefore, I want to take this opportunity, now that everyone has gathered in Crystal Glare, to announce some joyous news!"

Rodney XVIII raised his eyebrows, and his previously heavy expression seemed to lift.

He turned his head slightly and said warmly, "Dear Paul, dear Catherine, come here!"

Paul and Catherine stood up and walked to the side of the throne.

The king announced to the lords in the hall in a booming voice, "Under the gaze of the Lord of Light, my sister, Princess Catherine Rodney, will enter into a holy engagement with Paul Grayman, the Earl of Northwest Bay!"

"Wow—!"

As soon as Rodney XVIII finished speaking, a wave of astonished murmurs surged through the golden hall.

The king continued, "Just like countless couples in Aldor, they will form a family and contribute to the continuation of our nation..."

Before he could finish, the hall erupted in chaos.

"I must have misheard! Did Princess Catherine just get engaged?"

"You heard correctly; it is Princess Catherine!"

"That's Princess Catherine!"

"Ah, that brat named Paul, who is he?"

"Who cares? I must duel him!"

Noble lords whispered among themselves, expressing surprise and anger.

Various voices formed a rising tide of reactions.

Catherine's most trusted subordinates, including knights' leaders like Ophina, Klein, and Leicester, stood in a corner of the hall, feeling mixed emotions.

The princess had informed them that she would be marrying far away in Northwest Bay and instructed them to remain in Crystal Glare and serve the new king loyally.

However, this was contrary to their personal wishes.

"Ophina, Leicester, what should we do?" Klein hesitantly asked his colleagues.

He was confused; if he followed the princess to Northwest Bay, would the new king continue to have suspicions about her?

If they stayed loyal to the new king, it would always feel awkward.

Moreover, would His Majesty Rodney XVIII keep using them, the subordinates of Catherine?

Leicester remained silent, as was his nature.

When Klein turned to Ophina for her opinion, the beautiful woman with black hair and eyes scoffed, "I'm going to follow the princess to Northwest Bay, whether she agrees or not."

"Ah, you're a woman," Klein replied, "That's convenient; the king shouldn't think much of it."

"Yes, she is a woman! If she follows the princess, no one will say anything," a commander named Dempsey spoke, his tone revealing malice.

"Right! You could be the princess's dowry. Ha! Maybe that brat named Paul will take you as his concubine."

Ophina was furious and immediately grabbed a cup from the table nearby, splashing Dempsey with water!

"You!" Dempsey fumed, glaring at Ophina.

Ophina warned him, "Dempsey, if you say one more word, I'll cut out your tongue!"

"Enough!" Klein quickly intervened, separating the two who were about to fight.

He glanced around, relieved that everyone was discussing the princess's engagement and no one noticed the small altercation.

"Don't you realize what kind of occasion this is? If the king and the princess find out, you'll definitely be punished!"

Klein sternly warned Dempsey.

"Dempsey, I know you're angry, but you shouldn't take it out on your comrades. Your words are too malicious!"

Dempsey turned his face away.

---

No matter how much surprise, anger, or jealousy there was, the king's audience continued.

All the lords present, some of whom were representatives sent by their respective territories, took turns swearing loyalty to Rodney XVIII.

Paul even saw the envoy from Duke Giles and the envoy from Duke Vibern; they too represented their lords, pledging loyalty to the new king before everyone's eyes.

It seemed that although Catherine's efforts against the southern rebellious forces hadn't been entirely successful, at least they didn't dare to openly disrespect the royal family; they still acknowledged their status as vassals of the Aldor Kingdom.

After receiving the loyalty of the various lords, the next step was to accept the blessings from foreign envoys.

The various nations here mainly included those surrounding Aldor, such as the Papacy and the nations of Horn Bay, with the furthest being the Gabella Empire located in the continental interior.

Paul noticed that although the nations of Horn Bay were currently engaged in a fierce war, their envoys had just been discussing something together—likely bargaining over the ongoing conflict while seizing this rare opportunity to gather.

However, when the envoys began to bless the new king of Aldor, something significant happened.

The envoy from the Duchy of Eaton did not immediately withdraw after delivering their blessings.

He bowed to Rodney XVIII, saying, "Your Highness!"

Then he turned to face everyone.

"And to all the noble lords present!"

"I am here on behalf of Duke Eaton to declare to you all that our nation will recognize the legal status of sorcerers!"

This was news far more explosive than the princess's engagement announcement.

(End of the Chapter)

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